nab travel card rates

The smarter way to travel

Multi-currency Cash Passport™. One Card, Ten Currencies.

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Multi-currency Cash Passport

10 currencies, locked in rates.

Lock in exchange rates each time you load and top up. Load up to 10 different currencies on one card. Pound Sterling, Euros, US Dollars, Australian Dollars, Canadian Dollars, New Zealand Dollars, South African Rand, Turkish Lira, Swiss Francs and Emirati Dirhams.

Stay in control

Manage and track your Cash Passport on the go via your mobile, tablet, laptop or PC. Login to  My Account  and stay in control of your money. 

Accepted at millions of locations

Preload your Cash Passport and use like you would a credit or debit card in-store, online or to withdraw local currency at ATMs.

Global assistance

Help is only a call away. If your card is lost, stolen or damaged, we can replace it quickly or provide you with emergency cash up to the available balance on your card (subject to availability).

Today's exchange rates*

Running low on travel money.

Multi-currency Cash Passport is reloadable, allowing you to top up any of your currencies, anywhere, anytime.

You can top up in 5 ways:

• Bank transfer (via phone or internet banking)
• Via the mobile app
• Over the phone
• In participating branches

Learn more about your top up options.

Keep track of your travel money

You can use your mobile, tablet, laptop or PC to login to My Account  and stay in control of your travel money.

Register for My Account , so you can:

• Track your spending
• Top up your card
• Transfer between currencies
• Retrieve your PIN number
• Suspend your card temporarily

You can also download the Cash Passport mobile app, available for iOS and Android devices.

Travel with confidence

Safe and secure access to your money

Cash Passport uses Chip and PIN technology which means you can rest assured you have additional security making your card safer than carrying cash. Accepted at millions of locations and cash machines worldwide.

Looking for a back-up card for safe keeping? Simply purchase an additional card when ordering online or in-store.

We're here to help

We're only a call or email away at all times. Our global assistance team will help you if your card is lost, stolen or damaged.

We can replace your card quickly or provide you with access to emergency cash up to the available balance on your card (subject to availability), so you can keep enjoying your holiday.

Need further help?

View our frequently asked questions or feel free to contact us .

Cash Passport™ app

The new Cash Passport app has an improved design that makes managing your travel money faster and easier.

Start travelling smarter in just a couple of taps. Activate your Cash Passport card from your mobile, download the app from the iOS or Android store, log-in, and load up with your preferred currency. Simple!

Now you can securely store your payment card details in the Cash Passport app, so whenever and wherever you are, you can top up with up to 10 currencies, including Euros, US, Australian and Canadian Dollars and British Pounds at the touch of a button.

Stay in control the smart way. The new message centre feature lets you stay on top of tailored notifications, including low balance and transaction alerts. Keeping you up to date with your own personal need to know information.

Move money between your currencies with just a couple of taps – it’s that simple! Quickly move money between 10 currencies and spend more time enjoying your holiday.

Priceless Cities

Priceless Cities is a program available exclusively to Cash Passport cardholders and provides access to unforgettable experiences in the cities where you live and travel.

There’s a world of possibilities waiting for you to explore, so why not break free from your routine for a moment, a night, or even a weekend? Fuel your passions. Make memories to last a lifetime. Start Something Priceless.

Find out more

Multi-currency Cash Passport is issued by PrePay Technologies Limited pursuant to license by Mastercard  International. PrePay Technologies Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900010) for the issuing of electronic money and payment instruments. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

*Foreign exchange rates can fluctuate and the rate that applies one day will not necessarily be the same on any other day. The exchange rates set out on this website apply to top-ups that are made via this website only and that are applied to your card account within four hours. We will provide you with the applicable exchange rate at the time you top up.

Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.

Today’s exchange rates*

• Join CHOICE

Travel money cards with the lowest fees

We look at seven travel money cards from the big banks and airlines..

Prepaid travel money cards are offered by major banks, airlines and foreign exchange retailers like Travelex. Before travelling overseas, you load money into the card account, which locks in the exchange rate for foreign currencies at that time. 

You can then use the card for purchases and cash withdrawals just like a debit or credit card, usually wherever Visa and Mastercard are accepted. 

You can reload money on-the-go via an app or website, and if the card is lost or stolen, it can be replaced (usually at no cost to you).

Prepaid travel money cards also give you assurance that you're not handing the details of your everyday banking account to merchants you're not familiar with, and they provide easy access to cash when you want some, says Peter Marshall, head of research at money comparison website Mozo .

CHOICE tip: Travel money cards are best for longer trips. They're usually not worth your while if you're only taking a short trip, as some have closure, cash out and inactivity fees.

Travel money card fees

A major difference between prepaid travel cards and debit or credit cards is their fees. Some costs aren't immediately apparent, such as hefty margins built into the exchange rates.

And although fees have come down since we looked at these cards two years ago, you still need to watch out for:

• fees to load the card – either a percentage of the total or a flat fee
• ATM withdrawal fees
• a cross currency fee or margin when you use the card in a currency you haven't preloaded
• further fees if you close the account or haven't used the card for a period of time.

Travel money card with the lowest fees and best exchange rate

Westpac worldwide wallet.

Westpac closed its Global Currency Card in July 2021 and offers its new card in partnership with Mastercard.  It's also available from Bank of Melbourne and BankSA.

Currencies: AUD, USD, NZD, EUR, GBP, SGD, THB, JPY, HKD, CAD, ZAR.

Key features:

• No loading, reloading, closing or inactivity fees.
• Free to use it in network ATMs in Australia and partner ATMs overseas in a range of countries including the UK, US and New Zealand.
• A charge applies at non-Westpac and non-partner ATMs in Australia and overseas.
• Best exchange rates for the US dollar, the Euro and GBP in our comparison.*
• The only card that lets you preload the South African rand.

Other travel money cards

Next to the Westpac Worldwide Wallet, there are six other travel money cards available.

Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard

Available online or at post offices.

Currencies : AUD, USD, NZD, EUR, GBP, SGD, THB, JPY, HKD, CAD, AED.

• Fee to reload the card via BPay, debit card or instore, but free via online bank transfer.
• Closure fee.
• Fees for ATM withdrawals in Australia and overseas.

Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard

It's issued by Heritage Bank and is available online and from a number of smaller banks and credit unions (like Bendigo Bank and Bank of Queensland) as well as travel agents. 

• Fee to reload with a debit card or instore, but free via BPay.

CommBank Travel Money Card

CommBank Travel Money Card (Visa)

As NAB and ANZ have closed their travel money cards, this is the only other travel money card available from a major bank. This card has the largest variety of currencies that can be preloaded.

Currencies : AUD, USD, NZD, EUR, GBP, SGD, THB, JPY, HKD, CAD, AED, VND, CNY.

• Fee if you make a purchase with currencies not preloaded.
• Fee for withdrawals at overseas ATMs.

Qantas Travel Money Card

Qantas Travel Money Card (Mastercard)

The only travel money card offering from an airline. It can be added as a feature to your Qantas Frequent Flyer card, so you don't need a dedicated card, and you can earn points using it.

• Free to reload via bank transfer or BPay, but there's a reload fee if using debit card.

Travelex Money Card

Travelex Money Card (Mastercard)

Travelex is an international foreign exchange retailer. In Australia, it operates more than 140 stores at major airports and shopping centres, across CBDs and in the suburbs. It was the card with the best exchange rate for New Zealand dollars.*

Currencies : AUD, USD, NZD, EUR, GBP, SGD, THB, JPY, HKD, CAD.

Fees : 

• Load fee instore, but free via Travelex website or app.
• Reload fee instore or via BPay, but free via Travelex website or app.
• Closure fee and monthly inactivity fee (if not used for 12 months).

Travel Money Oz Currency Pass

Travel Money Oz Currency Pass (Mastercard)

The Travel Money Group is owned by Flight Centre and is a foreign exchange retailer. 

• Reloading the card via an online bank transfer or instore is free, but there's a fee if you reload via BPay, debit card or credit card. 
• Cash out (closure) fee. 

Travel money card tips

• Make sure the card allows the currencies you'll need, and also consider stopovers. For example, the South African rand is only supported by the Westpac card.
• Try to load your card with the right currencies and amounts on days with good exchange rates. 
• Make sure you know how to reload your card if you run out of funds while overseas.
• It may be more convenient to choose a card that has an app that can be linked to your bank account.
• Avoid loading more money than you'll need as there may be fees and exchange rate margins to get the unused money back.
• Remember to cancel the card once you're finished your trip, especially if it has inactivity fees.
• Be mindful that you still may need a credit card, as travel money cards may not be accepted as security for hotels and car rental agencies. 

Stock images:  Getty, unless otherwise stated.

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To share your thoughts or ask a question, visit the CHOICE Community forum.

• Travel Advice

Travel money cards were ranked in order of highest value of USD/ euros after fees and conversions

HERE’S a list of the Top 10 best travel money cards to use when holidaying in the United States and Europe, revealing the least withdrawal fees.

Currency that Aussies should exchange now

Day you don’t want to fly this Easter

‘Not good’: Bad news for Aussie flyers

WHEN it comes to travelling there’s lots to tick off the “to-do” list and more often than not, travel money cards become an afterthought.

But don’t be lazy, that’s the advice from comparative site finder.com.au ’s money expert Bessie Hassan, who says by settling for your standard credit or debit card it can leave you with plenty of unsuspecting fees .

“Taking your everyday credit or debit card on holiday instead of getting a travel money card will mean you’ll be charged on average 3 per cent per transaction,” Ms Hassan said. “That’s a lot in fees so don’t be lazy or leave it to the last minute.”

Most people will turn to their avid travelling mate for advice on which banks provide the best travel cards and according to the site that’s Travelex Money Card and ANZ Travel Card.

The Best Travel Money Card analysis also revealed that NAB’s Traveller Card was the only one not to have any fees, but it ranked fifth for not offering as much as the others when converting $10,000 to US dollars and euros.

Unfortunately for some travellers, it’s not until they check out of that luxurious hotel on the Amalfi Coast or go on that major shopping spree in Hawaii, when they realise their everyday card has clocked a bunch of fees.

Ms Hassan said prepaid travel money cards are often a better alternative than taking your standard card as you can load it with different currencies at a locked-in exchange rate.

“Often, you can load up to 10 different currencies on the card and they typically come with fewer fees, such as $0 foreign currency conversion fees,” she said.

“Travel money cards protect you from exchange rate fluctuations while you’re travelling, and they also help you better stick to your budget.”

TRAVELLING TO AMERICA

Based on the lowest withdrawal fees, reload fees and initial load fees, the best travel money card is Travelex, according to the finder.com.au.

It topped its Best Travel Money Card survey for having no ATM fees when it comes to withdrawing money and gives you the most when converting $AU10,000 to US dollars at $7140.

While the NAB Traveller Card was the only one out of the 10 to not have any withdrawal, reload or initial loading fees, it gives you $US7,066 when converting it from $10,000 (that’s $US74 less than Travelex) — ranking it as fifth on the list.

ANZ Travel Card came in second, followed by CBA and Suncorp.

All three slapped customers with a $AU3.50 withdrawal fee but gave the most US dollars when converting $AU10,000.

Westpac Global Currency Card had a $AU2.00 withdrawal fee and Qantas came second, behind Tavelex and NAB for having the least overall fees, but respectively came sixth and seventh on the list when it came to converting it to $US10,000.

Travel Money Oz had a $AU3.50 withdrawal fee and the highest reload fee at 1.10 per cent.

Finder.com.au assessed the travel money cards based on fees and conversion rates then ranked them in order of the highest value of US dollars after fees and conversions.

TRAVELLING TO EUROPE

Based on the lowest withdrawal fees, reload fees and initial load fees, the best travel money card is the ANZ Travel Card, according to finder.com.au.

Please note, the ranking in the euro table is different when compared to the USD table due to the conversion rate.

Again, NAB Traveller Card was the only one out of the 10 with no fees.

It only ranked fifth for giving €95 less than ANZ’s card when converting it euros (€6,047 compared to ANZ’s €6,142).

In second spot was Travelex Money Card which also had no additional fees, except a 1 per cent reload fee.

Suncorp Cash Passport Platinum and CBA Travel Money Card both have $3.50 ATM withdrawal fees but no reload or initial load fees, ranking them in third and fourth place.

Westpac Global Currency Card and Qantas Cash followed Travelex and NAB for having the lows withdrawal fees at $2.00 and $1.95 respectively, but their overall currency conversion offered less than those who had the higher withdrawal fees.

Travel Money Oz had the most all-round fees, offering just €5,988 when converting $10,000, compared to ANZ at €6,142.

But it was AusPost Cash Passport that ranked 10 for its $AU3.50 withdrawal fee combined with its currency conversion of €5,951 which was €191 less than ANZ.

Finder.com.au accessed the travel money cards based on fees and conversion rates then ranked them in order of the highest value of euros after fees and conversions.

TOP TIPS — finder.com.au

• The right travel money card depends on your personal situation, including your destination, the length of your trip, and the features you value most.
• Opt for a travel money card with $0 conversion or ATM withdrawal fees, and one that supports the currencies you’ll need.
• Be cautious of fees including initial load fees and inactivity fees that may apply to ensure you get the most cost-effective product.
• If you choose a card with an inactivity fee, make sure to take any remaining funds off your card when you get home as fees can result in your money dripping away unnoticed.

BIGGEST MISTAKES — finder.com.au

• Taking your everyday credit or debit card on holiday instead of getting a travel money card will mean you’ll be charged on average 3 per cent per transaction.
• Withdrawing too little from the ATM — having to find an ATM when you’re travelling is not only annoying when but will add up if your bank charges international ATM fees.
• Not all travel cards give you the same exchange rates, and while only 1c seems small, it can add up substantially if you’re converting thousands of dollars so don’t forget to compare the exchange rates between providers.
• Using a card with foreign transaction fees — by using a card with no international transaction fees you’ll save on ATM fees. Depending on where you’re travelling to, it may also be safer and more convenient than having to carry cash.

THE MAIN FEES TO LOOK OUT FOR — finder.com.au

• Initial load fee: Depending on the card, you might be charged a fee (such as a percentage of the loading amount) when you first load funds on the card.
• Reload fees: If the card doesn’t charge an initial load fee, it may charge another fee each time you load funds on the card. If this is the case, you might want to reconsider how often you reload the card.
• ATM withdrawal fees: Some cards will charge a different ATM withdrawal fee depending on where you’re withdrawing your cash. If the bank provider belongs to an ATM alliance, you might be able to avoid ATM withdrawal fees from the issuer. It’s important to note that local ATM fees may still apply.
• Inactivity fee: An inactivity fee is charged if you don’t use the card (usually after 12 months) and there’s money remaining on the account.
• Currency conversion fees: Charged when you make a purchase overseas.

Aussie travellers planning a trip to this popular Asian destination should exchange their money now as the country’s currency plummets.

If you were planning on flying from Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane on these dates, you may want to reconsider your plans.

An aviation analyst has painted a bleak picture of what Australia can expect in the huge year that lies ahead.

The journalists on the editorial team at Forbes Advisor Australia base their research and opinions on objective, independent information-gathering.

When covering investment and personal finance stories, we aim to inform our readers rather than recommend specific financial product or asset classes. While we may highlight certain positives of a financial product or asset class, there is no guarantee that readers will benefit from the product or investment approach and may, in fact, make a loss if they acquire the product or adopt the approach.

To the extent any recommendations or statements of opinion or fact made in a story may constitute financial advice, they constitute general information and not personal financial advice in any form. As such, any recommendations or statements do not take into account the financial circumstances, investment objectives, tax implications, or any specific requirements of readers.

Readers of our stories should not act on any recommendation without first taking appropriate steps to verify the information in the stories consulting their independent financial adviser in order to ascertain whether the recommendation (if any) is appropriate, having regard to their investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. Providing access to our stories should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any security or product, or to engage in or refrain from engaging in any transaction by Forbes Advisor Australia. In comparing various financial products and services, we are unable to compare every provider in the market so our rankings do not constitute a comprehensive review of a particular sector. While we do go to great lengths to ensure our ranking criteria matches the concerns of consumers, we cannot guarantee that every relevant feature of a financial product will be reviewed. We make every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information. However, Forbes Advisor Australia cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of this website. Forbes Advisor Australia accepts no responsibility to update any person regarding any inaccuracy, omission or change in information in our stories or any other information made available to a person, nor any obligation to furnish the person with any further information.

Guide To NAB Bank Products

Updated: Mar 18, 2024, 12:40pm

Table of Contents

Nab bank accounts, nab credit cards, frequently asked questions (faqs).

NAB, or National Australia Bank, is one of the country’s big four banks in terms of market capitalisation and customers. Founded in 1981, NAB is said to have served more than nine million Austrtalians at the time of writing.

As one of the largest banks in the country, NAB has a wealth of producst: from personal loans to business credit cards, international banking and corporate specialist solutions.

For the purpose of this guide, Forbes Advisor Australia will solely focus on NAB’s personal banking capabilities.

The national bank offers Australians both standard transaction acconts, as well as ways to save money with interest-earning savings accounts and term deposits. The specifics of its personal banking offerings are outlined below.

Note that interest rates are subject to change at any time, and the interest rates specified for the products and services are accurate at the time of writing.

Related: A Guide To Bank Interest Rates

• NAB Classic Banking Account

The NAB Classic Banking Account is an everyday transaction account linked to a debit card, with NAB offering two debit card choices: the NAB Visa Debit Card and the NAB Platinum Visa Debit Card.

Regardless of which debit card you choose , NAB’s transaction account has $0 monthly account keeping fees; $0 transaction fees within Australia; and $0 withdrawal fees at over 4,000 ATMs across the country.

The difference between the two debit cards is that the Platinum option is more suitable for overseas spending as there is no international transaction fee on purchases abroad. There are also complimentary insurances included, such as travel insurance among others, and the opportunity to earn 1% cashback on contactless purchases.

The regular visa card does not cost anything, whereas, the Platinum option charges a monthly card fee of $10.

NAB Retirement Account

Targeted at retired Australians , this account helps retirees earn interest on every dollar in their balance. Just like the daily transaction account, the NAB Retirement Account does not charge monthly account-keeping fees, transaction fees or withdrawal fees inside Australia.

The interest rate you will earn on your account depends on the balance. These interest rate tiers are:

• $1 to $9,999: 0.15% p.a.
• $10,000 to $49,999: 1.50% p.a.
• $50,000 to $249,999: 2.00% p.a.
• $250,000 and over: 2.15% p.a.

Interest on the NAB Retirement Account is calculated daily and paid quarterly.

Those eligible for an account will also receive a visa debit card.

• NAB Reward Saver

The NAB Reward Saver is a type of bonus high interest saving account , offering account holders a high interest rate if they meet the monthly conditions of no withdrawals and at least one deposit, of any amount, within the calendar month.

Account holders will then receive the bonus interest rate of 4.65%. This is on top of the variable base rate, which is 0.35%. So, if you meet the conditions each month, you’ll receive a total interest rate of 5.00% on your account balance.

Should you not meet the conditions, you’ll only receive the base rate of 0.35%. The interest rates shown are for balances up to $49,999; for higher balances, a tiered interest rate applies.

For a savings account linked to your transaction account, customers would usually park their money with NAB iSaver. The card allows you to make regular withdrawals with your card and still earn interest.

The account is known as an ‘introductory offer’ savings account , as the high-interest lasts for only four months: the first four months is at a rate of 2% p.a. base variable rate and 3% p.a. fixed margin. This means the introductory interest rate is 5% p.a. for the first four months.

After the first four months, the base variable rate of 2% p.a. will apply.

No matter the time period, there is a $0 monthly account service fee and no minimum deposit required with the account.

• NAB Term Deposit

A term deposit is a method of  earning interest over a certain period of time (known as the term) on funds that you’ve invested and do not touch.

At NAB, the length of term you can choose ranges from 30 days to five years. A 30-day term deposit has an interest rate of 1.25%, paid on maturity (the end of the term), while a five-year term deposit has an interest rate of 3.80%, paid out annually.

The highest interest rate one can receive with a NAB Term Deposit is by choosing a 12-month term, where you’ll earn 4.70% interest on your deposit at maturity, which is roughly the rate of inflation.

There are no account-keeping fees nor application fees with an NAB Term Deposit, however, there is a minimum deposit requirement of $5,000.

Related: Our Pick Of The Best Term Deposits In Australia

NAB Joint Accounts

You can open a joint account online via NAB for a:

For a joint NAB retirement account, you will need to visit an NAB branch in-person.

NAB specifies that for any joint account, you will have to open a new account in order for it to be joined—you can’t be added to someone else’s personal account to make a joint account.

Aside from the debit cards mentioned above that are linked to transaction accounts, NAB also offers a range of credit cards to its customers.

NAB offers Australians eight different choices when it comes to personal credit cards, ranging from reward cards to interest free credit cards .

The credit cards currently on offer from NAB are:

• NAB Rewards Platinum Card
• NAB Rewards Signature Card
• NAB Qantas Rewards Premium Card
• NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card
• NAB Low Rate Card
• NAB Low Fee Card
• NAB Low Fee Platinum Card
• NAB StraightUp Card

Each credit card has different minimum credit limits, eligibility requirements, annual fees, interest rates and additional perks. To find the best credit card for you at NAB, you’ll need to consider your own financial situation and then decipher which one would suit you best.

NAB has a credit card selector tool to help you narrow down your choices, establishing what the card will be used for and your objectives. You can also use NAB’s online credit card comparison tool to differentiate between your options.

It should be noted that from April 18, 2024, NAB is making updates to its credit card offerings and their terms and conditions. This means the following conditions may not be applicable at the time of your application.

It’s also worth adding that even though NAB may make it easy for you to take out a credit card, it’s worth asking yourself whether you’re in a financial position to use it wisely and are able to pay it off in full each month and avoid the high interest rate, which is often around the 20% mark.

NAB offers both personal loans and home loans to its customers, which we discuss in greater detail below.

NAB Personal Loans

A personal loan allows you to borrow money to pay for a specific item or event (such as a car or your wedding day), or to consolidate your debts. You then must repay the money you’ve borrowed via the loan in installments, plus any interest or fees.

When taking out a personal loan with NAB, you won’t be charged any penalties when you make early repayments, no exit fees when you pay off your loan sooner and no late payment fees. Ultimately, there are no surprise fees to consider when taking out a NAB personal loan. Instead, you’ll pay $150 when you apply, and then $10 each month after that.

In terms of the amount you can lend, NAB offers personal loans ranging from $5000 to $55,000. You can also choose a loan term between one and seven years, with weekly, fortnightly or monthly repayment options.

The interest rate you will be required to pay back will depend on the size of your loan and your repayment capabilities; however, NAB says it falls between 6.99% p.a. to 21.33% p.a.

NAB offers home loans to Australians (also known as a mortgage ), whether for a home to live in or a residential investment property. The rates offered include a basic variable rate, a fixed interest rate or a combination of both.

The minimum repayment, terms and frequency of repayments will depend on your specific loan. You can find out what this may be with NAB by inputting your property value and other specifics into NAB’s loan calculator .

Related: Best Home Loan Interest Rates This Year

Is NAB Australia’s biggest bank?

No, NAB isn’t Australia’s biggest bank, but it’s not far behind. In our recent research on the big four , we found that banks delivered a record full-year profit of nearly $32.5 billion in FY2023, a 12.4% improvement over the previous financial year.

The Commonwealth Bank accounted for the largest share of this windfall at $10.2 billion, followed by NAB at $7.7 billion. Therefore, on profit, NAB was Australia’s second largest bank.

How do I contact NAB bank?

NAB’s customer service number is 13 22 65, or +61 3 8641 9083 for those calling from overseas. Customers can also contact NAB via its online chat, available 24/7, and via the NAB app.

Which NAB credit card is the best?

The best NAB credit card is going to be the credit card that suits your specific needs best: whether that’s one that offers frequent flyer rewards, a balance transfer, or no annual fee.

When Forbes Advisor Australia analysed the best credit cards on the market for Australians , our top contender was the NAB Straight Up Credit Card. This is due to its 0% interest rate and no fees on international purchases, making it a great choice for Australians looking for a no-hassle option.

• Best Personal Loans
• How to Get a Personal Loans in Australia
• What Is a Secured Loan
• OurMoneyMarket Review
• How To Get A Business Loan
• Bank Interest Rates
• Big Four Banks
• How To Set Up A Bank Account Online
• Judo Bank Guide
• Best Business Bank Accounts
• How To Open A Business Bank Account

More from  

Judo banking products: a guide, our pick of the best business bank accounts for australians, how to set up a bank account online in australia, the big four banks: the complete guide, bank interest rates: a guide, revolut business review: pros and cons.

Sophie Venz is an experienced editor and features reporter, and has previously worked in the small business and start-up reporting space. Previously the Associate Editor of SmartCompany, Sophie has worked closely with finance experts and columnists around Australia and internationally.

Don’t Pay a Cent More: Your Guide to the NAB International Transaction Fee

So, you've come across this guide, likely because you've had that all-too-familiar sinking feeling after seeing those unexpected charges on your card statement.

Whether those fees appeared after an overseas trip or a virtual shopping spree, they have a knack for taking you by surprise.

Or you're gearing up for an upcoming holiday and want to make sure your hard-earned money stays in your pocket, where it belongs.

No matter your reason for being here, I share your pain. I was just as shocked after learning more about NAB’s International transaction fee. It can get pricey!

Don’t stress. We’ll give you all the information you need to navigate NAB’s overseas fees and more, including;

• Overview of NAB’s International transaction fee
• Common fees to look out for
• Best NAB Travel Card
• Tips to Avoid Overseas Fees

Revolut Card Offer

Sign up and get a $15 top-up . For new customers only, T&Cs apply .

NAB International Transaction Fee

There can be multiple scenarios where you will be charged an International Transaction Fee with NAB. You may incur fees when shopping online, travelling overseas or even sending money overseas.

It pays to know what these fees are and how to avoid them on your next online shopping spree or exotic getaway. We’ll take you through these fees and the best ways to avoid them.

Most Common NAB Overseas Transaction Fees

Online shopping.

When you make a purchase online, you may be charged a fee if the merchant is based overseas. When charged by NAB, the fee is usually 3% of the transaction amount.

Also, keep in mind it may only sometimes be obvious when you will be charged. Although the site may be an Australian site ‘.com.au’, if the transaction is processed overseas, the fee will apply.

Researching the site and reading the terms and conditions before purchasing is essential. We recommend checking with the merchant to be sure.

Travelling Overseas

When travelling overseas, there are even more opportunities to incur fees depending on which product you are using.

There can be multiple fees per transaction, including the overseas transaction fee and a currency conversion rate, which includes a margin charged if the currency needs to be converted from Australian dollars to a foreign currency.

Paying in Local Currency vs. Australian Dollars

You may be given the choice to pay in either local currency or Australian dollars, and you should check the exchange rate to see which option is more beneficial to you at the time.

NAB allows you to access the up-to-date Visa currency conversion rates in the NAB app by selecting ‘More’ from the menu before logging in and selecting ‘Foreign Exchange’.

You may also be subject to an international transaction fee whenever you are making purchases using your card with a local merchant. NAB usually charges around 3% of the transaction amount.

Using Cash vs. Card

One way you could avoid this is by using cash. However, this has its own pitfalls as well. Carrying a large sum of cash on you can be unsafe, and using an ATM to withdraw cash can get pricey also.

Using ATMs Overseas

Each time you use an ATM, you are opening yourself to incurring overseas ATM fees. With NAB, these fees are usually $5 per withdrawal. You may then get charged 3% of the withdrawal amount on top of that.

Money Transfers

You will not be charged a fee when you send money through NAB Internet Banking in a foreign currency. However, if you transfer Australian dollars, you will be charged $30.

Best NAB Travel Card: Which product is best for travelling?

NAB has its own great products, which you could consider for your next trip or online splurge.

The ‘NAB StraightUp Card’ offers no interest or no international transaction fee. There is only a simple monthly fee and minimum monthly payment based on your credit limit.

The ‘NAB Platinum Visa Debit Card’ also doesn’t charge an international transaction fee on overseas transactions processed overseas. However, you will be charged overseas ATM fees using this card.

How to Avoid Overseas Transaction Fees

You can avoid or reduce paying overseas transaction fees and other associated fees and charges in several other ways. Consider some of the following options;

Change your Currency Before Travelling

The simplest way to avoid fees on each transaction is to bring cash with you. All you have to do is convert your Australian dollars to the foreign currency of the country or countries you plan to travel to.

You can convert your currency either online, and have your money delivered directly to you, or in-store.

Online money exchangers like S Money are often an easy and cheap way to buy foreign currency. You usually only pay a small fee and the currency exchange rate, no hidden fees!

Travel Cards

There are several cards designed for travel and making online purchases in mind. They remove the international transaction fee, have low fees competitive currency conversion rates and offer free ATM withdrawals.

Some of the best cards are the Wise Travel Card , Revolut and Travelex Money Card .

NAB also offers some great options for travel and online purchases, as well as offering ‘NAB Now Pay Later’ , which can be used for online purchases with no international transaction fees.

ING Orange Everyday

A great option to consider is the ING Orange Everyday account and cards, which offer rebates on international transaction fees and some ATM withdrawal fees when you meet eligibility criteria.

Although ING recently removed rebates on overseas ATM operator fees, you can still benefit from unlimited rebates on the 3% international transaction fee, and five rebated ING ATM withdrawal fees monthly.

Another option is Up Bank , which offers no international transaction fees and allows free ATM withdrawals overseas. It is a top pick for Aussies looking to avoid sneaky bank fees when travelling or shopping online abroad.

Customers praise Up Bank’s easy sign-up process, mobile app for tracking spending, and partnership with Wise for international money transfers.

Navigating NAB International transaction fees can seem daunting, but with the proper knowledge and tools, you can make savvy decisions that keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket.

Remember, the key is planning, comparing options, and choosing the right products and services that best suit you and your needs.

Now that you have a good idea of what you will be facing and the different options available, you can proceed more confidently when travelling and making purchases online.

Where will you go on your next adventure?

ASIC regulated

Like all reputable money exchanges, we are registered with AUSTRAC and regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC).

S Money complies with the relevant laws pertaining to privacy, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism finance. This means you are required to provide I.D. when you place an order. It also means the order must be paid for by the same person ordering the currency and you must show your identification again when receiving your order.

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Best Travel Cards for Australians Heading Overseas in 2024

We compare the best travel money cards including prepaid cards, debit cards and credit cards. Whether you want ease of access to money at any cost or no-frills or fees cash, find the best money solution when you travel overseas.

Wise - our pick for travel card

• No annual fee, hidden transaction fees, no exchange rate markups
• No minimum balance requirements
• Allows you to make payments and withdrawals wherever you are in the world in over 40 currencies
• Local bank account details in Australia (AUD), the UK (GBP), the USA (USD), Europe (EUR), Canada (CAD) and New Zealand (NZD)
• Available in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, Singapore, Japan and New Zealand

Find out more about the Wise card .

With this card:

• It's very easy to set up and order
• You can receive foreign currency into a multi-currency account linked to the card
• Pay with your Wise card in most places overseas where debit cards are accepted
• Get the mid-market rate for currency conversion

Go to Wise  or read our  review .

It's not all good news though

• There is a 2% ATM withdrawal fee when you withdraw over $350 during a month
• It takes 7-14 days for delivery

How do I pick the best travel card for me?

Fed up with ATM charges when you travel overseas? Or running out of money when you need it the most? You probably brought the wrong card with you.

It can be tricky to choose the best travel card to use when you travel overseas. The best one for you will really depend on what you need from the card you're using.

You will generally use travel cards to make purchases online, in-stores and to withdraw money at ATMs. All travel cards have these basic capabilities. This means what you should really compare between travel cards are the following:

Exchange Rates and Fees

Compare exchange rates and fees

Conditions and limits

Spending conditions and max/min limits

Make sure your money is secure

Best Travel Cards for Australians Travelling Overseas

Wise is our pick for travel debit card.

• You can transfer money to a bank account overseas
• Currency conversion using the mid-market exchange rate

Click here to see the full list of cards and how Wise compares

Read the full review

• No annual fee, hidden transaction fees, exchange rate markups
• Local bank account details in Australia (AUD), the UK (GBP), the USA (USD), Europe (EUR) and New Zealand (NZD)
• It takes 7-14 business days to receive the card
• Can't always access local technical support depending on where you are
• Free cash withdrawals limited to under $350 every 30 days
• Only currently available in the US, UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand

Revolut - multi-currency travel card

• No purchase fee, load fee, reload fee, exchange rate margin or minimum balance requirements
• Unlike other Travel Cards, its free and easy to use the balance of your currency or convert it back to AUD
• Mid-market exchange rate, they add a mark-up for currency conversion during weekends
• For the free Standard account, there is a 2% ATM withdrawal fee when you withdraw over $350 during a month
• The premium account costs $10.99 a month, which can really add up if you are not using it often

Click here to see the full list of cards and how Revolut compares

• Very easy to use app
• Free to set up
• No hidden fees or exchange rate mark-ups (except on weekends)
• You can use it to transfer money to a bank account overseas
• Additional fees for using the card on a weekend
• 2% ATM fee once you withdraw more than $350 in any 30 day period
• 3-4 business days before you receive your card
• Ongoing subscription fee for Premium and Metal cards

Citibank Saver Plus - bank travel card

The Citibank Plus Everyday Account - bank debit card. With this card you can:

• withdraw money for free at over 3000 ATMs Australia-wide and overseas
• take advantage of no foreign transaction fees, monthly fees, or minimum opening balance
• transfer money to friends and family anywhere in the world for free

We think this is the ideal debit card whether you're staying local in Oz or travelling to destinations in Asia or Europe.

• No international ATM or transaction fees
• Fee-free international money transfers to any account worldwide
• SMS notifications through Citi Alert
• Cash deposits available within 24-48 hours
• Can't have two cards active at the same time
• $5 account closure

28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard - travel credit card

28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard - travel credit card. With this card:

• There are no annual fees
• No overseas purchase fee or currency conversion fee
• You get 55 days interest free on purchases
• Access to free 24/7 concierge service
• Emergency card replacement worldwide

The 28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard has additional benefits including shoppers and repayments benefits cover. For more information read our review .

• Can have 9 additional cardholders
• No overseas purchase fee, or currency conversion fee
• No foreign transaction fee
• Free Replacement Card
• High interest rates after the initial 55 days
• Minimum credit limit is $6000
• No introductory offers or rewards

Learn more about the 28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard

Travelex money card - prepaid travel card.

Travelex Money Card - prepaid travel card. With this card:

• There are no ATM fees so you can withdraw cash at no extra cost
• You can access Travelex's online rates
• You can lock in your initial loading cross currency rate
• Ideal for the organised traveller.
• Can load up to 10 currencies including AUD, USD, EUR, GBP, NZD, CAD, THB, SGB, HKD and JPY.
• Smartphone App & Free Wifi Cross
• $0 overseas ATM fees (Australia excluded)
• 24/7 Global Support
• Limited Currencies
• 5.95% currency conversion rate
• $100 minimum initial load
• 2.95% Australian ATM withdrawal fee

Learn more about the Travelex Money Card

What are the other travel card options.

Check our travel card comparison table for a comprehensive list of fees and features for different travel debit and credit cards available for Australians travelling overseas.

*ATM operators will often charge their own fees.

** Up to 5 ATM fees and unlimited currency conversion costs may be rebated if you deposit $1,000 and make 5 purchases per month.

***Account fee waived if you meet eligibility criteria, including depositing $2,000 per month

What are the different types of travel card in Australia?

There are 3 popular travel cards you can take with you on your trip:

Prepaid Travel Card

Travel Debit Cards

Travel Credit Card

1. Prepaid Travel Card

For prepaid travel cards, you're able to load the card with a set amount of money in the currencies you need. Ideally you do this before your trip, but often you can reload them as well.

Most prepaid travel cards allow for multiple currencies to be loaded onto the card. So it's important to know what currency you'll be using on your travels. Airlines also offer prepaid cards so the money you spend can earn you reward points.

With prepaid travel cards you need to be careful, as they can have numerous fees and charges which can make it more expensive than other options. But if you're organised and travelling to multiple cities a prepaid travel card is a good option. Read more of how to find the best travel card with no foreign transaction fees .

If you need more flexibility or you don't want to pay the multiple fees associated with prepaid travel cards, the HSBC and Citibank global accounts are better options.

• Exchange rate margins when you load your card
• Exchange rate margins when you close the card
• Flat or percentage-based fees to load the card
• ATM withdrawal fees
• Exchange rate conversion fee when you use the card
• Reloading fees
• Closing fees

Prepaid travel cards are best if:

• You want to lock in a rate
• You want to stick to a budget
• You lose it/it's stolen

Prepaid travel cards are not great if:

• You want the absolute best rates
• You need to hire a car, make payments on a cruise ship, or pay for a hotel

2. Travel Debit Card

An international card or your bank card offers the convenience of a credit card, but work differently. They draw money directly from your bank's everyday transaction account when you make a purchase. It's designed for everyday money transactions and means that you're not accumulating debt.

A debit card could make you stick to your travel budget, because you can't overdraw money from your account. And for daily purchases, we think a debit card can help you stick to your travel budget, because you can't overdraw money from your account.

We recommend bringing both a debit card and credit card for safety, flexibility and convenience on your trip.

• Currency conversion fee for overseas debit transactions
• Flat fee or percentage-based ATM withdrawal fees
• Foreign ATM owner fees
• Flat fee or percentage fee for debit card purchases via EFTPOS

Debit cards are best for:

• When you have time and you're happy to open a bank account to get one
• Fee-free cash withdrawals from ATMs

Debit cards are not great if:

• You switched from a better account to get one
• Or if you want to switch, but pick a costly travel debit card instead

3. Travel Credit Card

Credit cards have obviously been around for a long time. But now there are specialised travel credit cards. Generally, these cards give you longer to pay back what you've spent but the interest rates after this time can be quite high.

The main advantage with credit cards are the reward points you get in return for your customer loyalty when you spend. But it only works if you pay off the balance in full each month.

Credit cards are great to use for car hire, restaurants and accommodation - larger expenses that are easier for you to pay back over time. Some services only take credit cards to hold purchases so they can definitely be handy while you're travelling.

• Annual and reward scheme fees
• Cash advance fees
• Interest charges

Travel credit cards are best for:

• Getting the best spending rates
• If you have decent credit score and are legible for the credit card
• Frequent flyer points to help you get discounted or free flights
• Low or zero international transaction fees
• Complimentary travel and/or medical insurance offered with a lot of cards

Travel credit cards are not great if:

• Your credit score is poor
• You won't repay in full every month
• Can't afford high minimum credit and annual fees
• Want additional card holders (usually an extra cost)
• Your monthly salary minimum isn't high enough
• For some travel credit cards you have to be a permanent Australian resident

Best travel money card tips

Before you decide which travel money card will best suit your needs, it’s worth comparing a few, bearing in mind these handy travel money card tips:

• Exchange rate - check what rate is used to convert your dollars to the currency needed for spending in your destination. A card which uses the mid-market rate or as close as possible to it is usually the best value
• Coverage - make sure your card covers the currency you’ll need in your destination, as fees may apply if it doesn’t. Picking a card which covers a large number of currencies can also mean you’re able to use your travel money card on future trips.
• Safety - check the card’s safety features. Most cards are linked to an app which allows you to view transactions, check your balance and freeze or unfreeze your card if you need to
• Fees - read through all the possible fees associated with your card before you sign up. Costs may include a foreign transaction fee when spending an unsupported currency, ATM fees, a cash out charge or inactivity fees if you don’t use your card often for example
• Rewards - some travel money cards also offer some nice extras, like ways to earn rewards or discounts, or free wifi when you travel. Travel credit cards in particular have lots of rewards on offer, although you may have to pay an annual fee to get them

Travel card fees

The fees you pay for your travel money card will vary depending on the type of card you select, and the specific provider. 

Travel prepaid cards fees can include:

• Fees when you get your card in the first place
• Load or top up fees
• An exchange rate margin when topping up foreign currencies
• Foreign transaction fees if you spend a currency you don’t have in your account
• ATM charges at home and abroad
• Cash out, close or inactivity charges

Read more about prepaid cards here

Travel debit card can include:

• Card delivery fee
• International ATM fees
• Currency conversion charges

Read more about travel debit cards here

International credit card fees can include:

• Annual fees to hold the card
• Cash advance fees if you use an ATM
• Foreign transaction fees
• Interest if you don’t repay your bill in full
• Penalties if you don’t pay your bill on time

Read more about credit cards here

Conclusion - What is the best card to use while travelling?

There’s no single best travel money card - which works best for you will depend on your personal preferences and where you’re heading. 

Using a multi-currency debit card which supports a large range of currencies can keep your costs low and allow you to skip foreign transaction fees . Plus you’ll be able to use your card for online shopping in foreign currencies, or for your next trip abroad, with no ongoing fees to worry about.

Prepaid travel money cards are safe and easy to use , and you can often pick one up instantly if you’re in a hurry. You’ll be able to add travel money before you leave or top up as you travel, although it’s worth converting to the currency you need in advance, and looking for a card with mid-market exchange rates to avoid extra costs.

Generally using a credit card will come with the highest overall fees - but you’ll be able to spread out the costs of your travel over a few months if you need to, and you may also be able to earn rewards or cash back as you spend. Use this guide to compare different card types and options, and pick the perfect one for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions - Best travel cards to use overseas

Which is the best travel card for use in australia.

The Citibank Plus Everyday Account is the best travel debit card for use in Australia. It works as a normal debit account, with no ATM fees at 3000 ATMs across Australia and has no account minimums.

Which travel card is best for Europe?

The best travel card for Europe is Wise . Not only do you get a great rate when spending in Euros, You get a set of bank account details with which you can recieve EUR transfers, as if you were a local.

Which high-street bank has the best travel card?

The best travel card from an Australian high-street bank is either the Citibank Plus Everyday Account or the CommBank travel money card . While Citibank's card offers more as a travel card (fee-free ATM withdrawals and excellent exchange rates), CommBank has far more in-person branches in Australia if you're someone who prefers doing your banking in person.

What is the best card to use while travelling?

There’s no single best travel money card - which is best for you will depend on your personal preferences. Usually having a few different ways to pay is a smart move, so packing a travel debit card or prepaid card, your credit card and some cash can mean you’re prepared for all eventualities.

Which bank travel card is best?

Australian banks offer travel credit cards, and some also have travel debit or prepaid card options which can be worth considering. Which is best for you will depend on the type of card you’d prefer, so comparing a few options from banks - and from specialist providers like Wise or Revolut - can help you find the best deal for your needs.

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Credit Cards

I’m an expat, and here’s why I love my Bank of America Travel Rewards card

Kelly Dilworth

Allie Johnson

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Robin Saks Frankel

Published 5:24 a.m. UTC May 8, 2024

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VioletaStoimenova, Getty Images

I’m a U.S. citizen who lives most of the year in Canada. But when I pick up coffee or purchase subway fare in my adopted city of Toronto, I often find myself habitually turning to the same few American credit cards I’ve owned and used for years.

Using my American cards while living across the border helps me maintain my U.S. credit history. Plus, I’ve found that they offer more value than comparably-priced Canadian cards. 

I’m especially likely to pull out my Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card because it offers ample points without requiring me to think too hard about different rewards categories. 

Instead, I earn the same unlimited 1.5 points per $1 on purchases, which is a rewards rate I’ve so far been unable to match with a no-annual-fee Canadian card. 

Aren’t sure how to choose a credit card? Read our guide on how to pick the best credit card for you.

In Canada, rewards cards without annual fees are typically less generous –– especially when it comes to miscellaneous spending. For example, my CIBC Dividend® Visa* Card * The information for the CIBC Dividend® Visa* Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. offers 2% cash back on groceries, 1% cash back on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, transportation, dining and recurring payments, 0.5% cash on everything else. 

There are no foreign transaction fees on my Bank of America Travel Rewards card either. So I don’t have to sweat over 1% to 3% in foreign transaction fees that can quickly add up over multiple transactions. 

However, the number one reason I turn so regularly to my Bank of America Travel Rewards card is its convenience. 

After nearly 20 years of credit card experience, I’ve learned that I get more value out of low-maintenance cards that require minimal time and attention. 

our partner

Blueprint receives compensation from our partners for featured offers, which impacts how and where the placement is displayed.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Welcome bonus

• 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening – that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.

Regular APR

Credit score.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Editor’s take

• 15 billing cycles of intro APR financing on both new purchases and on qualifying balance transfers.
• Earn an unlimited 1.5 points per $1 on purchases.
• No foreign transaction fees so it’s a good choice to use abroad.
• Points must be redeemed towards eligible travel and dining purchases for maximum redemption value.
• You can’t transfer rewards to airline or hotel partners.

Card details

• Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• Use your card to book your trip how and where you want – you’re not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
• Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
• 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% – 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
• If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
• Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Even abroad, Bank of America Travel Rewards are simple to earn, fast to redeem 

In my experience, the Bank of America Travel Rewards Visa is especially easy to use in Canada compared with other American cards I own since it comes equipped with contactless technology (which was popular here long before it took off in the U.S.), and Visa is widely accepted. 

I rarely use my Discover it® Miles , by contrast, because I’ve struggled to find vendors in Canada who will accept it.

Since I earn the same rewards rate with every purchase on my Bank of America Travel Rewards card, I don’t have to track spending bonuses or worry about the types of foreign purchases that will qualify for a higher rate. 

Even better, the rewards I earn from my Bank of America Travel Rewards card are so easy to redeem I can do it within minutes online simply by checking some boxes next to eligible travel and dining purchases. Within days, a statement credit then posts to my account. 

I also can book rewards travel from whatever site I want to, and I don’t have to plan around blackout dates or other travel restrictions. 

For a working mom like me who can barely carve out time to book travel, let alone spend hours searching for a suitable rewards flight, that extra layer of simplicity is important. 

I also have ADHD, so navigating a complicated rewards scheme that requires lots of extra steps or tracking can sometimes feel overwhelming. Simpler rewards programs are easier for me to stick to long term and are overall a better fit for my neurodivergent brain. Plus, I’m more likely to use my rewards if they’re easy to redeem. 

On the downside, the redemption options for the Bank of America Travel Rewards card are limited: to earn a 1:1 return on your rewards spending, you need to redeem your points for travel or dining. 

You can trade in your points for a gift card, but your points will be worth less than a cent each. The redemption rate for cash is even stingier.

Luckily, there are plenty of purchases that count as travel and dining, including public transit and parking fees, bridge and highway tolls, tourist attractions such as aquariums and zoos, fast food, coffee shops, bars and taverns. 

Bank of America also gives you up to a year to redeem your points before a qualifying purchase is no longer eligible. So you have some time to build up your rewards. 

How I use American credit while living in another country

In my case, I’ve managed to seamlessly transition to living much of the year in Canada without giving up my American credit history because I still have a valid U.S. address and phone number and maintain a presence in both countries. 

I also happened to own most of my credit cards well before I moved to Canada in 2018. However, I have successfully applied for new cards in the years since and had them sent to my American address. 

Expats who don’t maintain a valid U.S. address may need to work with a bank or credit union that specializes in serving U.S. citizens who live or travel extensively abroad. But for me, it’s been relatively easy, and my Bank of America Travel Rewards card fits my needs perfectly.

*The information for the CIBC Dividend® Visa* Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Kelly Dilworth is a business and personal finance writer, specializing in the intersection between money and life. She has more than a decade of financial writing and reporting experience and has covered consumer banking and lending, credit cards, credit reporting and consumer scoring for a variety of personal finance outlets, including Bankrate and CreditCards.com, The Balance, LendingTree and Forbes Advisor. Her reporting has also been cited in Congressional testimony and in a number of reports, books and journal articles.

Allie is a journalist with a passion for money tips and advice. She's been writing about personal finance since the Great Recession for online publications such as Bankrate, CreditCards.com, MyWalletJoy and ValuePenguin. She's also written personal finance content for Discover, First Horizon Bank, The Hartford, Travelers and Synovus.

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

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Complimentary international travel insurance

Check your eligibility and policy coverage or make a claim on your complimentary international travel insurance through Allianz Global Assistance (AGA).

Changes effective 1 November 2023

Please read this summary of changes to understand how it will affect your complimentary card insurance policy.

Key features

If your NAB card offers complimentary international travel insurance, here are a few reasons to use that feature.

Simple claims process

Make a claim online, even if you’re overseas.

Simple eligibility check

With  Allianz Global Assistance’s eligibility portal , opens in new window , you can easily check if your card is eligible for up to five complimentary insurances including international travel insurance (for persons aged under 81 years).

No need to get a quote

Your insurance is complimentary with eligible NAB cards, so no need to get quotes or apply.

Eligible NAB cards

The following NAB cards include complimentary international travel insurance.

On sale cards

• NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card
• NAB Qantas Rewards Premium Card
• NAB Rewards Signature Card
• NAB Rewards Platinum Card
• NAB Low Fee Platinum Card
• NAB Platinum Visa Debit Card

Off sale cards

• NAB Premium Card
• NAB Velocity Rewards Premium Card
• NAB Flybuys Rewards Card
• NAB Low Rate Platinum Card
• NAB Qantas Plus Card

Eligible purchases

To be eligible, you’ll need to reside in Australia and:

• charge at least $500 of your prepaid travel costs to the accountholder’s card account before leaving Australia
• have a return overseas travel ticket before leaving Australia
• be aged under 81 years at the time you become eligible for the cover by meeting the conditions above.

You can check if you are eligible for complimentary insurance by using the Allianz Global Assistance eligibility portal , opens in new window .

Policy coverage

The below is a limited summary only. Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, sub-limits and excesses apply.

You, your spouse and your dependants may be covered by this policy if the eligibility criteria is met. Eligibility criteria, terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits apply.

For the full list of benefits and the terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, applicable sub-limits and excesses that apply, please read the  NAB Card Insurance Policy Information Booklet Effective 1 November 2023 (PDF, 489KB) , opens in new window .

What may be covered

Below is a limited summary only. For the full list of benefits and the terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, applicable sub-limits and excesses that apply, please read the  NAB Card Insurance Policy Information Booklet Effective 1 November 2023 (PDF, 489KB) , opens in new window .

Here are examples of what this insurance is designed to cover for eligible customers.

For people aged under 81 years

The below information is a limited summary only and are subject to applicable terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, sub-limits and excesses that may apply.

overseas emergency assistance and medical expenses

accidental death and loss of income

cancellation

travel delay and alternative transport expenses

luggage and luggage delay

rental vehicle excess

personal liability

Epidemic and pandemic cover

Below is a limited summary only and are subject to applicable terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, sub-limits and excesses that may apply.

COVID-19 cover may be available under selected sections of the international travel insurance section.

For more information about epidemics and pandemic coverage (such as COVID-19), please read the  NAB Card Insurance Policy Information Booklet effective 1 November 2023 (PDF, 489KB) , opens in new window .

If, during the period of cover available, you (including your spouse and/or dependants who are eligible for cover) are positively diagnosed as suffering a sickness recognised as an epidemic or pandemic, such as COVID-19, cover may be available to you under the following sections:

1.1 Overseas Emergency Assistance (including Medical Evacuation and Repatriation)

1.2 Overseas Emergency Medical

2.1 Cancellation

3.1 Additional Expenses

If your travel companion is positively diagnosed as suffering a sickness recognised as an epidemic or pandemic, such as COVID-19, which impacts your journey, cover may be available to you under the following sections: 

2.1 Cancellation 

Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits apply. Please read the  NAB Card Insurance Policy Information Booklet effective 1 November  2023 (PDF, 489KB) , opens in new window  including Part D – General Exclusions and the exclusions set out in each of the above sections.

What isn’t covered

Below is a limited summary only.

For the full list of benefits and the terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, applicable sub-limits and excesses that apply, please read the  NAB Card Insurance Policy Information Booklet effective 1 November 2023 (PDF, 489KB) , opens in new window .

Examples of what’s not covered include claims arising directly or indirectly because of:

• any pre-existing medical condition of any person including you, your travel companion or a relative unless Allianz Global Assistance has confirmed in writing to you that the pre-existing medical condition causing your claim is covered by the Group Policy. Before going overseas, you can apply for assessment of whether your pre-existing medical condition is covered by the group policy online or over the phone. If after assessment, Allianz Global Assistance confirm to you that your pre-existing medical condition is covered by the group policy, you will need to pay an administration fee of $75.
• childbirth at any gestation (except when arising from an injury or sickness) and pregnancy related sickness if you have had complications in your pregnancy before you became eligible for cover  
• your participation in any dangerous activities or your exposure of yourself to danger unless in an attempt to preserve your life or the life of another person

Other complimentary insurances

If you have an eligible NAB card, and make an eligible purchase, these complimentary insurances are also available.

Complimentary domestic travel insurance

Learn what you need to know about your domestic travel insurance.

Complimentary rental vehicle excess insurance in Australia

How to make a claim, check eligibility and understand your policy.

Complimentary extended warranty insurance

Learn about policy coverage, eligibility and the simple claims process for your extended warranty insurance.

Complimentary purchase protection insurance

What you need to know about your policy coverage, eligible purchases and claims.

How to make a claim

If you’re making a claim on your travel insurance, the easiest way to claim is by using the online claims portal. For claims relating to any other type of cover (including domestic travel insurance), please contact our team via email or phone.

For claims relating to international travel insurance only , you can submit an online claim.

Download the relevant form and email our insurance provider Allianz Global Assistance.

Call Allianz Global Assistance (AGA)  Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 7:00pm (AEST/ADST) .

Australia:  1800 187 025

Emergency assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Calls from mobiles, public telephones or hotel rooms may attract additional charges.

Australia:  1800 010 075

Overseas:  +61 7 3305 8800

Important Information

Terms and conditions.

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AWP Australia Pty Ltd ABN 52 097 227 177 AFSL 245631, trading as Allianz Global Assistance (AGA), under a binder from the insurer, Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL 234708 (Allianz), has issued an insurance group policy to National Australia Bank Limited ABN 12 004 044 937 AFSL and Australian credit licence 230686 (NAB) which allows eligible persons to claim under it as third-party beneficiaries. 

Access to the benefit of cover under the NAB card insurances is available to eligible NAB cardholders and other eligible third-party beneficiaries by operation of s48 of the Insurance Contracts Act 1984 (Cth). Any advice on insurance is general advice only and not based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. You must check whether or not it is appropriate, in light of your own circumstances, to act on this advice. The insurance is underwritten by Allianz. NAB is not the product issuer or insurer and neither it nor any of its related bodies corporate guarantee any of the benefits under this cover. If an eligible person wishes to claim any of these benefits, they will be bound by the eligibility criteria, terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits of the group policy set out in the  NAB Card Insurance Policy Information Booklet effective 1 November 2023 (PDF, 489KB) , opens in new window , which may be amended from time to time. For insurable events that occurred prior to 1 November 2023, please refer to the  NAB Card Insurance Policy Information Booklet dated 30 June 2022 (PDF, 604KB) , opens in new window .

For more information about the changes visit Information about changes to complimentary insurances .